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Published by Dr. Annalise Caron & Dr. Suzanne Allen
The Parenting Pair Podcast | Expert Guidance for Parents of Teens and Tweens Are you raising a teenager, tween or adolescent — whether that's a middle schooler, college student, or somewhere in between — and looking for real, compassionate guidance from people who actually get it? Welcome to The Parenting Pair Podcast — hosted by Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen, two licensed child and adolescent clinical psychologists and moms of teens and tweens themselves. After years of answering questions in our offices, at the bus stop, and on the sidelines, we created this podcast to bring evidence-based mental health guidance directly to parents of older kids, teenagers and young adults — without the jargon, and without the judgment. Every week we tackle the topics parents of teens and tweens are actually navigating: anxiety, depression, ADHD, motivation, communication, emotional regulation, resilience, self-harm, sports betting, gratitude, and so much more. We also bring in expert guests — specialists, clinicians, and researchers — to go deeper on the topics that matter most to your family. Whether you're dealing with a mental health crisis, trying to figure out how to talk to your middle schooler or high schooler, navigating the college process, or just looking for reassurance that you're not alone — you're in the right place. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. The Parenting Pair Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice.
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Is 13 really the right age for a teen or tween to start using social media ? What does social media have to do with the developing adolescent brain—and should parents limit, delay, or ban it altogether? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen talk with Dr. Eva Telzer , psychologist, neuroscientist, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill, and co-director of the Winston Center for Technology and the Developing Mind. Dr. Telzer explains why adolescence is a particularly important period of brain development , when teens become more sensitive to rewards and social experiences while executive functioning continues to develop. Today's digital environment can amplify these developmental changes by providing highly personalized social feedback, algorithms, short-form content, and other powerful sources of engagement. But this isn't a conversation about why social media is all bad. Adolescence is also a time of tremendous growth, connection, creativity, independence, and social awareness—and social media can help teens connect, organize, advocate, and create positive change. So what can parents actually do? Dr. Telzer discusses when kids should get social media , whether parents should delay, limit, or ban social media , how parents can better understand what their teens are actually seeing online, and why working together with other parents may reduce the social pressure around smartphones. She also highlights the importance of protecting teen sleep by keeping phones and devices out of the bedroom at night. If you're parenting a tween or teenager and wondering about social media, smartphones, adolescent brain development, screen time, algorithms, or healthy boundaries , this episode offers a research-informed and hopeful perspective on helping teens navigate the digital world. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why Adolescence is a remarkable period of brain development and growth The three major changes happening in the adolescent brain Why teens are especially sensitive to rewards and social experiences How social media and today's digital environment interact with adolescent development How likes, streaks, algorithms, and short-form videos keep teens engaged Why your teen's social media feed may look completely different from yours What parents should know about the age of first social media exposure Why turning 13 doesn't mean a child is suddenly developmentally ready for social media Whether parents should delay, limit, or ban social media How parents can better understand their teen's online world Why protecting sleep and keeping phones out of the bedroom matters The potential benefits of social media for teens, including connection, activism, and social change Why digital media literacy matters How parents can help teens learn to navigate—not simply fear—the digital world Questions Parents May be Aasking: What is the right age for social media? There is no magic age when every child suddenly becomes developmentally ready. Dr. Telzer explains why the timing of social media exposure matters and why age 13 may actually be a particularly concerning time to introduce social media. Should I ban social media? An outright ban can sometimes lead teens to seek access secretly and without parental guidance. Dr. Telzer discusses the benefits of clear and thoughtful boundaries and open conversations between parents and teens. How can I know what my teenager is actually seeing online? Algorithms personalize social media feeds, so parents and teens can have very different experiences on the same platform. Curiosity about your teen's actual digital world is an important place to start. What can I do right now? Protect sleep. Keeping phones and social media out of the bedroom at night is one of the clearest boundaries parents can set and can support adolescent mental health, attention, school functioning, and overall well-being. If you're parenting a tween or teenager, listen to this episode for a research-informed look at teen social media use, smartphones, adolescent brain development, and what parents can actually do to help. 00:00 Is 13 Really the Right Age for Social Media? 00:44 Why Social Relationships Matter So Much During Adolescence 03:46 The Positive Side of the Teenage Years 05:43 3 Major Changes in the Adolescent Brain 08:12 Why Social Media Can Be So Compelling to Teens 11:33 Adolescence, Brain Development & the Digital World 14:28 What Can Parents Do About Teen Social Media Use? 16:37 What Actually Counts as Social Media? 19:48 Likes, Streaks & Other Features That Keep Teens Engaged 23:24 How Algorithms Shape Your Teen's Social Media Feed 26:31 What Age Should Kids Get Social Media? 27:59 Should Parents Ban, Limit or Delay Social Media? 31:16 The Positive Side of Social Media for Teens 33:08 Should Schools Teach Digital Media Literacy? 35:51 Helping Teens Navigate the Digital World 🎧 Listen to the full episode and share it with another parent who could use this perspective. And if this episode helped you think differently about your teen’s relationship with technology, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast for more conversations about parenting, adolescent development, mental health, and family relationships. Resources / Links Winston Center for Technology and the Developing Mind — UNC Chapel Hill The episode identifies Dr. Eva Telzer as co-director of the center. Winston Center for Technology and the Developing Mind Eva Telzer research on social media and adolescent brain development A particularly relevant study discussed in the context of her research examines habitual social-media checking and longitudinal changes in adolescent brain development. Research study: Association of Habitual Checking Behaviors on Social Media With Longitudinal Functional Brain Development Wait Until 8th This is the movement referenced when the hosts and Dr. Telzer discuss parents banding together to delay smartphones and reduce the social pressure children feel to have them. Wait Until 8th Signup for The Parenting Pair Newsletter and other announcements straight to your inbox: https://drscaronandallen.com/ (at the bottom of the webpage). Teenage brain, social media and teens, social media and adolescent brain, teen brain development, tween brains, adolescent brain development, teens and social media, social media effects on teenagers, social media effects on teen brain, parenting teenagers, teen mental health, teen relationships, teenage relationships, social media and relationships, social media algorithms, teens and technology, digital media and te...
What happens when kids and teenagers begin turning to AI chatbots for friendship, advice, reassurance, and connection? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with psychologist and adolescent development expert Dr. Mitch Prinstein to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way teens and young people experience relationships. AI chatbots can be useful tools—but some are also designed to feel remarkably human. They remember what users have said, respond instantly, appear endlessly available, and may reinforce what a young person is already thinking or feeling. For tweens and teens navigating an especially important period of social and emotional development, that raises important questions about what happens when technology begins to replace some of the friction, vulnerability, and learning that come from real human relationships. In this conversation, we explore: Why adolescence is such an important period for learning how to build relationships How teens are using AI chatbots for information, advice, companionship, and connection Why humans naturally form attachments to things that aren't human Why an AI chatbot can feel like a friend—even when we know it's a machine What happens when teens begin preferring chatbots over human peers How AI can remove the "friction" that is actually important for social and emotional development The potential connection between chatbot use, loneliness, and reduced interaction with human peers What teens may miss when AI replaces opportunities to navigate conflict, rejection, vulnerability, and repair Why real human connection matters so much during adolescence How parents can approach AI use without immediately turning the conversation into a battle Why curiosity and open-ended questions may be more effective than judgment How parents can model critical thinking about AI and help teens think about whether technology aligns with their values Why AI-enabled toys and chatbots may raise different concerns for younger children Why parents should think about AI use differently depending on their child's developmental stage What we still don't know about the long-term effects of AI on adolescent development One of the central ideas in this conversation is simple but important: relationships aren't just something teenagers have—they are something teenagers learn through real life experience. The disagreements, awkward conversations, misunderstandings, breakups, rejection, vulnerability, and repair that happen in real relationships can be difficult to watch as a parent. But they can also become important "learning moments" that help young people develop empathy, perspective-taking, communication skills, and the ability to navigate relationships throughout adulthood. And as AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, parents may need to think not only about what their teens are doing with technology , but also about what opportunities they might be missing because of it. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why We As Humans Can Feel Attachment to a Chatbot 00:48 Today’s Topic: Teens, Technology & AI 00:59 Meet Dr. Mitch Prinstein 02:23 Why Adolescence Matters So Much 06:26 How Teens Are Using AI Chatbots 10:03 Why We Form Attachments to AI 11:41 When Kids Prefer Chatbots Over People 13:55 Why AI Chatbots Are So Compelling 15:13 The Mental Health & Developmental Risks 17:16 The Mental Health Implications 19:24 What Teens Lose When AI Replaces Relationships 23:01 Why Human Connection Can’t Be Replaced 25:55 Should AI Chatbots Be Regulated? 27:48 What Parents Need to Know 29:49 AI Guidance for Different Ages 32:35 How Parents Can Model Healthy AI Use 34:54 Curiosity Over Judgment 37:09 Growing Up in the AI Experiment 38:31 Final Thoughts ABOUT DR. MITCH PRINSTEIN Dr. Mitch Prinstein is the John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and co-director of the Winston Center for Technology and the Developing Mind. His research focuses on interpersonal relationships, adolescent development, mental health, and the ways technology and digital platforms influence young people. He is also the author of Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World , which examines the role of popularity, likability, relationships, and social status across development. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Mitch Prinstein: Mitch Prinstein's official website 🔗 Learn more about the Winston Center for Technology and the Developing Mind: UNC Winston Center 🔗 That Popular Podcast — Mitch Prinstein and Aaron Keck’s podcast exploring psychology, relationships, human behavior, and the social dynamics we experience every day. Listen to That Popular Podcast on Apple Podcasts 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Prinstein's book, Popular: Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World A NOTE FOR PARENTS You don't have to become an AI expert overnight to have meaningful conversations with your teenager about technology. Start with curiosity. Ask what they're using, what they like about it, what they find helpful, what concerns them, and what they think AI can—and cannot—provide that a real person can. The goal isn't simply to control technology. It's to help young people develop the judgment and relationship skills they will need to navigate a world in which AI is becoming part of everyday life. 💬 We want to hear from you: How is your teen or young adult using AI? Are they using it for school, advice, entertainment, companionship—or something else? And if you're concerned about their AI use, what questions are you finding hardest to navigate as a parent? Share your experience below. 👇 And if this conversation gave you something to think about, please subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast and share this episode with another parent. 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When your child is facing a serious illness, hospitalization, medical procedure, injury, or other frightening medical experience, it can be easy to focus entirely on your child—and forget that the experience affects you, too. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen welcome back Dr. Meghan Marsac , a pediatric psychologist and expert in pediatric medical traumatic stress, to talk about what happens to parents when their child is facing a medical challenge. Medical trauma doesn't only affect children. Parents may experience intrusive thoughts or memories, avoidance, sleep difficulties, trouble concentrating, increased anxiety, changes in mood, and other symptoms of traumatic stress. Dr. Marsac explains why recognizing these reactions matters—and why supporting yourself isn't an indulgence or an additional item on an already overwhelming to-do list. Taking care of yourself can actually help you remain present and effective as your child's advocate and caregiver. Together, they discuss: What medical trauma can look like in parents How traumatic stress can show up after a child's diagnosis, hospitalization, accident, or medical procedure Why parents may minimize or overlook their own distress Why even teenagers can sense when a parent is struggling How a parent's emotional health can affect their child The COACH model for supporting children through medical challenges Why parents may have difficulty using the COACH approach when they are overwhelmed themselves How to accept help—and why asking for help isn't a sign of weakness Ways to find support during hospitalizations and ongoing medical care Child life specialists, social workers, psychologists, chaplains, and other hospital resources How parents can take small, realistic steps to care for themselves Resources for families dealing with pediatric medical trauma and chronic illness Here are the highlights from the episode: 00:00 Don't Oversay "I Got This" 00:27 Medical Trauma Doesn’t Only Affect Kids 02:34 How Medical Trauma Shows Up in Parents 05:24 Why Parents Need Support Too 07:46 How a Parent’s Stress Affects Their Child 09:53 The COACH Model 11:22 Practical Ways Parents Can Get Support 12:48 Stop Turning Down Help 14:01 Who Are Your People? 16:24 Support Available Inside the Hospital 19:08 Resources for Parents and Families 21:11 Final Thoughts One of the most important reminders from this conversation: you don't have to do this alone. Sometimes the first step isn't finding more time for yourself—it's saying yes when someone offers to help. 👩⚕️ Meet Dr. Meghan Marsac Dr. Meghan Marsac is a pediatric psychologist and Division Chief of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. She has published extensively on pediatric medical trauma and co-authored Afraid of the Doctor: Every Parent's Guide to Preventing and Managing Medical Trauma with Melissa Hogan.Her work focuses on helping children and families navigate the psychological impact of medical experiences. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode 📖 Afraid of the Doctor: Every Parent's Guide to Preventing and Managing Medical Trauma By Meghan L. Marsac, Melissa J. Hogan, with a foreword by John F. Crowley. The book provides practical strategies for parents navigating medical procedures, medical trauma, chronic conditions, and difficult healthcare experiences. Learn more about *Afraid of the Doctor* 🧰 Healthcare Toolbox — Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress A free resource with information, handouts, and workbooks for children, teens, parents, and caregivers coping with injury, illness, hospitalization, and medical treatment. Dr. Marsac is co-director of this organization. Healthcare Toolbox 🧠 National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) The NCTSN provides information and resources about child traumatic stress, including resources specifically related to medical trauma and healthcare experiences. National Child Traumatic Stress Network — Medical Trauma Resources 🤝 Alongside Network A community and resource network supporting families caring for children who have experienced a life-threatening illness or injury. Alongside offers parent/caregiver communities, support, resources, and connections with others who understand these experiences. Alongside Network 💬 If This Episode Resonated With You If your child or teenager has experienced a frightening medical event, chronic illness, hospitalization, injury, or difficult medical treatment, we hope this conversation reminds you that your experience matters, too. And if someone in your life is navigating a medical challenge with their child, share this episode with them. Sometimes hearing that your reactions are understandable—and that you don't have to carry everything alone—can make a meaningful difference. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Back-to-school season can quickly turn parents into the project managers of the household. School forms, homework, practices, appointments, schedules, emails, deadlines… suddenly, so much of our interaction with our tweens and teens can become solely about getting things done. But what if, in the middle of all that busyness, we're missing something that matters much more in the long run? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen talk about how to navigate the pressure of back-to-school season while protecting the relationships that matter most. They explore why the quality of our relationships is so important to well-being—and why a missed deadline, imperfect grade, or forgotten task is unlikely to matter as much years from now as the relationship we build with our children. You'll hear practical strategies for: Staying connected when most conversations seem to be about what needs to get done Understanding your teen's growing need for independence Not taking adolescent distance or irritability personally Listening to what your teen is interested in instead of immediately redirecting them to the next task Respecting reasonable differences in opinions and choices Asking your teen what they think before immediately giving your own advice Recognizing the importance of friendships, mentors, coaches, teachers, and other adults in your child's life Balancing the inevitable "management mode" with moments of genuine connection Remembering that parenting is about the long haul—not getting every moment right These are the highlights of the episode: 00:00 Why Relationships Matter Way More Than Management 00:46 Today's Topic: Back-to-School Parenting Pressure 02:24 Relationship Over Management 04:37 Parenting Through Growing Independence 07:05 Why Teens Pull Away 09:11 Why Peer Relationships Matter 10:16 You Don’t Have to Be Everything 11:41 How to Build Connection in Busy Moments 13:13 Show Interest in What Matters to Them 15:50 Respecting Their Independence 16:29 Ask Before Giving Advice 17:34 Don’t React to Every Eye Roll 18:00 What Now? Parenting Is About the Long Haul The goal isn't to stop managing altogether. There will always be homework, schedules, forms, deadlines, and mornings when you're running late. The goal is to make sure that those things don't become the only focus of your relationship with your child or teenager. As Annalise and Suzanne discuss, parenting gives us thousands of moments with our kids. If one doesn't go well, there's always another opportunity to reconnect. ❤️ 💬 What tends to take over in your household when back-to-school gets busy: connection or task management? Let us know in the comments. Research Mentioned The episode references Stanford research on how the adolescent brain responds differently to a mother's voice compared with unfamiliar voices. The study found a developmental shift toward greater responsiveness to unfamiliar voices during adolescence, consistent with the growing importance of social connections outside the family. Stanford Medicine — The Teen Brain Tunes in Less to Mom’s Voice The Journal of Neuroscience — A Neurodevelopmental Shift in Reward Circuitry From Mother’s to Nonfamilial Voices in Adolescence 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Medical challenges can affect far more than your child's physical health. Whether it's a routine shot, bloodwork, a frightening trip to the ER, surgery, an injury, or managing a chronic medical condition, medical experiences can bring fear, anxiety, avoidance, stress, and sometimes even medical trauma. And for parents, these situations can be overwhelming too. Suddenly you're managing appointments, medications, insurance, specialists, school, siblings, and your child's emotional needs—all while trying to figure out how to help your child cope. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with Dr. Meghan Marsac, a pediatric psychologist and Division Chief of Psychology at the University of Kentucky Pediatrics Department, to talk about how parents can support children and teens through medical challenges. Dr. Marsac brings extensive expertise in pediatric medical trauma and shares practical, evidence-based strategies for helping families navigate difficult medical experiences while protecting connection, autonomy, and the rest of a young person's life. In This Episode, We Discuss: How medical challenges can affect children's mental and emotional health — and why physical and mental health shouldn't be treated as completely separate. Medical anxiety and medical trauma — from everyday procedures like shots and bloodwork to more significant medical events and chronic illness. Why validation matters — and how acknowledging that something is difficult for your child can strengthen connection rather than making the fear worse. Parent vs. caregiver — how chronic illness or injury can shift parents into a caregiving role and unintentionally change the parent-child relationship. Protecting your teen's independence during medical challenges — including finding ways to preserve friendships, activities, school, and the other parts of life that matter to them. Supporting siblings when one child's medical needs require more attention from the family. How parents can advocate within complex medical systems — including asking questions, gathering information, communicating between providers, and making sure important information doesn't get lost. Helping teens become more involved in their own medical care — gradually giving them opportunities to ask questions, advocate for themselves, and take more leadership. The COACH approach — a framework Dr. Marsac and her coauthor developed to help parents break down challenging medical situations and choose strategies that fit their child. Planning ahead for medical appointments and procedures — including determining how much information your child wants and when they want to receive it. Why your child's medical condition shouldn't become their entire identity — and how families can continue to make room for the many other parts of who they are. Chapters: 00:00 | Medical Challenges: Why Planning Ahead Works 00:29 | Today’s Topic: Medical Challenges With Teens and Tweens 01:17 | Meet Meghan Marsac, Pediatric Psychologist 02:48 | Why Meghan Marsac Wrote Afraid of the Doctor 05:20 | The Connection Between Medical Trauma and Emotional & Behavioral Struggles 08:44 | Considering Medical Challenges in the Context of a Child’s Whole Life 13:43 | Why Validation Is So Important 14:50 | The Role of a Parent vs. a Caregiver 18:20 | How to Address a New Medical Reality With Siblings 21:13 | When the Parent Becomes the Leader of the Medical Team 24:20 | The COACH Approach: What It Means 29:20 | How Parents Can Cope Ahead With Medical Anxiety 32:59 | Recommendations for Parents Facing Medical Challenges Important Takeaways One of the most powerful ideas in this conversation is that a child is more than their medical condition . As Dr. Marsac explains, families can become understandably focused on appointments, medications, treatments, and medical care—particularly when a child has a chronic condition. But it's also important to keep seeing the whole person: their friendships, activities, interests, school, family relationships, independence, and the things that bring them joy. Medical care matters. So does the rest of their life. The conversation also emphasizes that parents don't have to navigate complex medical systems perfectly. Asking questions, requesting clarification, writing things down, and advocating for your child are all legitimate parts of supporting them. And if a particular strategy doesn't work for your child, that doesn't mean you've failed. Dr. Marsac emphasizes that different strategies work for different children—and parents know their own children better than any professional does. If you're parenting a child or teen through a medical challenge, we hope this conversation helps you feel more informed, more confident, and a little less alone. 💬 What part of your child's medical journey has been hardest to navigate as a parent? 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode Afraid of the Doctor: Every Parent's Guide to Preventing and Managing Medical Trauma By Dr. Meghan Marsac and Melissa Hogan. https://www.afraidofthedoctor.com/ The Cellie Coping kit https://www.celliecopingkit.org/ About Dr. Meghan Marsac Dr. Meghan Marsac is a pediatric psychologist and Division Chief of Psychology at the University of Kentucky Pediatrics Department. She is a tenured professor at the University of Kentucky's College of Medicine, an Affiliate Research Scientist at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), an Affiliate at the Center for Violence Prevention at CHOP, and Division Chief of Psychology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kentucky. DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Parenting Pair classic: We are bringing this essential conversation back to the top of your feed this week. This is one of our most-watched episodes, and the practical tools inside are too important to miss. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or need a timely refresher, we hope it brings you some compassionate guidance today. How do you raise a teen who makes good decisions on their own — even when you're not there to guide them? In this episode, child and adolescent psychologists Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron tackle a question every parent of a tween or teen asks at some point: my child wants more freedom, but can they actually handle it? They break down exactly how to raise responsible, independent teens without swinging to either extreme — permissive parenting on one end, helicopter parenting on the other. Using real examples and a simple framework parents can start using today, they explain the three types of independence every teen needs to develop: the ability to make their own choices, the ability to think through problems on their own, and the ability to trust their own feelings and judgment. You'll learn: How to raise a teen who can think for themselves and problem-solve without you The difference between authoritative parenting and authoritarian parenting — and why it matters for raising a responsible teen A real-life role-play example (a teen who got a D on a test) showing exactly what to say — and what not to say — to help your teen make good decisions Why asking "what do you think?" before offering advice builds better decision-makers The "get out of their way" coaching lesson that applies directly to parenting tweens and teens What decades of research from Dr. Joseph Allen's lab at the University of Virginia reveals about how this kind of parenting shapes teens' decision-making, relationships, and choices well into adulthood Plus, book recommendations for parents who want to go deeper: The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud PhD and Ned Johnson, How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims, and Age of Opportunity by Laurence Steinberg. If you're raising a teen who wants more freedom, a tween pushing back on rules, or you're simply wondering how to raise a responsible teen who makes good choices — this episode gives you a practical, research-backed place to start. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Encore episode: It's move-in week — and this episode is a timely one for parents of teens heading to college, a new social scene, or just more unsupervised time with friends. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron have a clear conversation about sexual assault prevention — for teens and young adults of any gender, not just those heading off to college. They talk through how to bring up a hard topic without lecturing, what actually helps reduce risk at parties and social gatherings, and how teens can look out for each other and step in when something feels off. This episode is for parents who want to prepare their teen without over-scaring them — and for teens themselves, since it's built to be shared directly with them. Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron cover: Why open, low-pressure conversations about safety matter more than one big talk How to talk about prevention without implying it's ever the victim's fault The role alcohol and parties can play in risk — and practical ways to reduce it Five concrete strategies teens can use to stay safer in social settings What healthy bystander intervention looks like, including for teens who worry about misreading a situation How this conversation applies well beyond college — to high school, new friend groups, and beyond Here are some highlights from this episode: 00:00 – College parties can be fun and risky at the same time 03:08 – How Dialectical Thinking helps parents handle tough topics with teens 05:10 – Campuses tend to be very safe, except for sexual assaults 09:00 – Five strategies a teen can do to minimize risk 10:43 – The importance of protecting your drink and how to do so 12:15 – What healthy peer support looks like 14:42 – Teaching teens to speak up and step in 16:28 – How to protect friends and peers, safely 18:33 – Recap of 5 strategies to decrease risk of sexual assault 19:48 – Sexual assault prevention starts at home 21:32 – Dialectical thinking helps parent-teen communication and problem solving 23:15 – Acknowledging difficult subjects when feeling unprepared If you've ever worried about your teen being vulnerable in college or social settings, this episode will give you actionable tools to keep them safe and empowered. 🧰 Resources & Tools Mentioned in This Episode: Drink safety products — spill-proof drink covers, drink-spiking test strips, and water bottles with flip-top lids or built-in straws can add an extra layer of protection at parties or bars Self-defense classes — many towns, community organizations, and universities offer beginner-friendly courses; a great option to look into before heading to campus Campus safety resources — most colleges have blue light emergency phones and call/escort services; encourage your teen to locate these during orientation ⬇️ For downloadable resources for teens/young adults and parents, based on this episode: 📝 Tip Sheet for Parents 📝 Tip Sheet for Teens/Young Adults 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Encore episode: Every parent loses their temper sometimes—it is a completely normal part of raising teens. But what matters most is what we do after the dust settles. We are re-sharing this essential conversation because learning how to genuinely repair and apologize to your teen is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your relationship. Did you lose your temper with your teen this summer? Wondering how to reconnect after an argument? Conflict is part of every family—especially during the unstructured days of summer, vacations, and the transition back to school. The good news? Relationships aren't strengthened by never making mistakes. They're strengthened by repairing them. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explain why a genuine apology is one of the most powerful ways to rebuild trust with your teenager or tween. You'll learn why apologizing doesn't weaken your authority—it actually strengthens your relationship—and how a few common mistakes can unintentionally make an apology less effective. Whether you recently yelled, overreacted, or simply wish you had handled a parenting moment differently, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help you reconnect with your child and model the kind of healthy relationships you hope they'll build throughout their lives. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why apologizing actually increases your teen's trust and respect for you • The three biggest apology traps parents fall into—and how to avoid them • How to repair your relationship after an argument without giving up your authority • Why "I'm sorry, but..." almost always backfires • How to apologize without expecting your teen to apologize back • Why relationship repair is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why relationship repair matters more than getting parenting "right" 02:50 – Does apologizing make parents lose authority? What the research—and experience—actually shows 05:20 – The three apology traps: losing authority, "tit for tat," and "double dipping" 11:51 – How to make an apology feel genuine instead of manipulative 17:22 – When it's not too late to apologize—and why timing matters less than sincerity 18:42 – How repairing conflict teaches your teen to build healthier future relationships 21:00 – Simple, effective ways to apologize that teens and tweens are more likely to hear 27:00 – What your teenager learns when they see you own your mistakes 33:00 – This week's parenting takeaway: Progress over perfection If you've ever searched "I yelled at my teenager," "How do I reconnect after an argument with my teen?" or "How do I repair my relationship with my child?" , this episode is for you. Because parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about showing your children what healthy relationships look like—even after things go wrong. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another parent, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast , and leave us a review. Your support helps more families discover practical, evidence-based parenting advice. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your own or a family member's well-being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Food allergies don't just affect what your child or teen eats—they can shape your family's entire experience of school, friendships, and independence. In this episode, therapist and author of May Contain Anxiety Tamara Hubbard joins Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen to talk about food allergy anxiety in kids and teens, and how parents can build trust instead of fear. Together, they explore how parents can balance vigilance with confidence, help children gradually build independence, and avoid letting anxiety shrink their family's world. Tamara shares practical, evidence-based strategies for navigating food allergy anxiety while maintaining a strong parent-child relationship and preparing tweens and teens to safely manage their allergies as they grow. Whether your child was recently diagnosed or is preparing for college, this episode offers compassionate guidance to help your family move from fear toward confidence. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why food allergy anxiety is common—and when it becomes problematic How to balance safety with quality of life The difference between food allergy anxiety and food allergy social anxiety How to help tweens and teens gradually build independence The 6 "allergy parenting traps" that quietly increase anxiety over time Why trust is essential when preparing teens to manage allergies How to respond when your teen isn't taking allergies seriously The power of curiosity instead of lectures How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles can help parents Ways family and friends can better support children with food allergies Practical strategies for reducing anxiety while keeping kids safe Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 How to Raise Independent Kids With Food Allergies 00:30 Food Allergies: Today's Topic 01:10 Meet Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, Therapist & Author of "May Contain Anxiety" 02:18 Coping With Food Allergy Anxiety 06:01 Building Confidence Through Skill Development 08:40 Why Professional Guidance Matters 10:30 Living by Your Values, Not Your Anxiety 13:18 Teaching Kids With Food Allergies to Self-Advocate 16:39 Food Allergy Anxiety vs. Food Allergy Social Anxiety 17:54 How Parents and Kids Experience Food Allergy Anxiety Differently 20:43 Less Lecturing, More Understanding 23:44 Common Anxiety Thinking Traps 27:42 When Burnout Becomes a Wake-Up Call 29:02 Food Allergy Support Groups: Benefits and Drawbacks 31:55 How Others Can Better Support Kids With Food Allergies 33:59 How to Connect With Tamara Hubbard Resources Mentioned 📘 May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies — by Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC 🌐 Food Allergy Counselor https://www.foodallergycounselor.com Educational resources, articles, and support for families. 🏥 Academy of Food Allergy Counseling https://www.foodallergycounseling.org Directory of allergy-informed mental health professionals and clinician education. 👩⚕️ Tamara Hubbard's Private Practice https://www.tamarahubbard.com (Illinois, Ohio & Florida via telehealth) 📱 Follow Tamara Hubbard Instagram: @FoodAllergyCounselor Facebook: Food Allergy Counselor Key Takeaways ✔️ Anxiety is common for families managing food allergies—but it doesn't have to define family life. ✔️ The goal isn't eliminating all risk—it's learning to accurately assess risk while maintaining quality of life. ✔️ Building trust through gradual skill development helps teens become confident, independent allergy managers. ✔️ Parents often help most by replacing lectures with curiosity and open-ended conversations. ✔️ Sometimes the most supportive question anyone can ask a family managing food allergies is simply: "How can I be helpful?" 👍 If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating or review — it helps other parents find the show. 🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your or a family member's wellbeing, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Have you ever noticed that the more you remind, explain, lecture, or give advice… the less your teen seems to listen? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore one of the simplest—but most powerful—communication strategies for parents of tweens and teens: saying less . As parents, it's natural to want to help by offering reminders, solutions, opinions, and guidance. But sometimes our well-intentioned words can overwhelm our children, make them feel controlled, or unintentionally shut down communication. Instead, learning to pause, listen more, and create space can strengthen trust, encourage independence, and help teens develop confidence in solving their own problems. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "saying less" actually helps teens communicate more How over-explaining can unintentionally damage connection The difference between supporting and over-directing How to encourage independence without withdrawing emotionally Practical ways to reduce conflict and increase cooperation Why silence can become one of your most effective parenting tools Episode Highlights: 00:00 Want Your Kids to Trust You More? 00:35 Say Less: A Simple Parenting Strategy That Works 00:59 What Does "Say Less" Really Mean? 02:34 Why Saying Less Builds Stronger Connections 05:26 Raising Independent and Confident Kids 06:38 The Benefits of Talking Less as a Parent 08:41 When Can Parents Practice Saying Less? 11:49 Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact If you're parenting a tween, teenager, or young adult, this episode offers clinically-informed strategies that can improve communication and strengthen your relationship. 💬 We'd love to hear from you: What is one situation where you could try "saying less" this week? 👍 If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating or review — it helps other parents find the show. 🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your or a family member's wellbeing, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Is your teen struggling to make friends, maintain friendships, or navigate their social world? Many parents worry when their tween or teen seems lonely, has difficulty connecting with peers, misses social cues, or struggles to maintain friendships. But social communication is a complex set of skills—and many young people need support learning them. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen welcome Deirdre Flores, M.S., CCC-SLP , founder of The Teen SLP , to discuss the social communication skills that help tweens, teens, and young adults build meaningful relationships. Together, they explore: ✔️ What social communication skills actually are ✔️ Why making friends is harder for some teens than others ✔️ The connection between executive functioning, ADHD, and friendships ✔️ How parents can provide support without taking over ✔️ Why social struggles are often about skills, not shyness ✔️ Ways to coach teens around texting, planning hangouts, and maintaining friendships ✔️ Why clubs, hobbies, jobs, and shared interests matter so much socially ✔️ How to reduce shame and build confidence in socially struggling teens Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 Social Communication Is Built on Executive Functioning 00:57 Meet Deirdre Flores, Speech-Language Pathologist 02:49 What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do? 04:52 Why Social Communication Skills Matter 05:44 The Link Between Executive Functioning and Communication 10:15 Breaking the Stigma Around Social Skills Coaching 13:18 Why Speech-Language Pathologists Play a Critical Role 15:52 Understanding the Emotions of Both Parents and Teens 17:14 How Parents Can Gradually Remove the Scaffolding 20:59 The 4-Week Rule, Volunteering, and Part-Time Jobs 28:13 How to Connect with Deirdre Flores Social skills are life skills. The ability to communicate, connect, and maintain relationships affects friendships, dating, college success, and future careers. The good news? These skills can be learned and strengthened. If you're parenting a tween, teen, or young adult who is struggling socially, this conversation offers practical, compassionate, and expert-informed guidance. Where to find Deirdre Flores, M.S., CCC-SLP: https://theteenslp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theteenslp/ 👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast and share this episode with another teen or tween parent. 🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your or a family member's wellbeing, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Encore presentation: We're re-releasing this episode because the topic keeps coming up — over and over again — in our work with parents. How we think matters. It shapes how we feel, how we act, and how we show up in our relationships with our teens. Parenting isn't only about our kids — our own well-being, our own thought patterns, and our own mental health matter too. If you caught this one when it first aired as Episode 13, we think it's worth a second listen. And if you're new here, this is a great place to start. Do you ever catch yourself thinking your teen "should" have done something differently — or spiral from one bad moment straight to imagining the worst? You might be stuck in a 'thinking trap.' In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron break down three of the most common thinking traps parents of tweens and teens fall into, and share simple, practical ways to shift your thinking so you can show up calmer, clearer, and more connected. What we cover: "Should" thinking — why this one word quietly cranks up frustration and how to swap it out Mental filter — when you zoom in on everything going wrong and tune out everything that's going right Jumping to conclusions — how one moment with your teen can send your brain spiraling into worst-case scenarios One powerful question — "What else could be true?" — that works for all three traps Whether you're navigating daily friction or a more serious situation with your teen, these tools will help you pause the spiral and respond with more patience and perspective. Timestamps: 00:00 – Are You Spiraling About Your Teen? 01:00 – What Are Thinking Traps & Why They Matter 03:00 – Dr. Allen's Checkout Line Moment 05:24 – Trap #1: "Should" Thinking 09:34 – Trap #2: Mental Filter 16:26 – Trap #3: Jumping to Conclusions 20:23 – One Question to Reframe Everything 👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast and share this episode with another teen or tween parent. 🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions you want answered on future episodes or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your or a family member's wellbeing, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Summer break is supposed to be relaxing—but for many parents of tweens and teens, it quickly turns into a battle over screens, video games, YouTube, and endless hours indoors. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen tackle a question many parents are asking right now: "What do I do if my teen wants to spend the entire summer gaming or watching TV?" Whether your child is too old for traditional summer camps, too young for a job, or simply facing weeks of unstructured time, it can be incredibly stressful to watch screens become the default activity. Parents often find themselves worrying that they're failing, arguing constantly about technology, or wondering if their child is missing out on important developmental experiences. In this practical and compassionate conversation, Annalise and Suzanne discuss how parents can approach summer differently—moving away from power struggles and toward collaboration, curiosity, and realistic expectations. You'll learn: ✔️ Why many parents feel guilty about summer screen time ✔️ How anxiety and catastrophizing can make screen conflicts worse ✔️ Ways to collaborate with your tween or teen when planning summer activities ✔️ How to shift from pessimism to possibility-focused thinking ✔️ Why video games don't have to be the enemy ✔️ The concept of creating a balanced "summer diet" of activities ✔️ How to encourage independence, social connection, and exploration without constant battles ✔️ Practical resources and ideas for families navigating long, unstructured summer days Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Expanding Your Teen's Summer Possibilities 00:44 - Summer Break & Screen Time: Helping Teens Balance Free Time 02:36 - Four Key Areas to Consider This Summer 03:05 - 1. Common Parenting Thinking Traps Around Summer Screen Time 07:42 - 2. How to Collaborate With Your Teen Instead of Fighting Them 09:57 - 3. Questions That Help Teens Explore New Summer Opportunities 13:53 - 4. Resources for Evaluating Games, Apps & Media Content If you're worried your teen will spend the entire summer on YouTube, Xbox, TikTok, or their phone, this episode offers guidance to help you reduce conflict and create a more balanced summer experience. Useful resources discussed in this episode: Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ Family Media Plan: https://www.healthychildren.org/english/fmp/pages/mediaplan.aspx?_gl=1*cx15ma*_ga*MTcxNzk0OTc3MC4xNzgxNzk3NzUw*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*czE3ODE3OTc3NTAkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODE3OTc4MzEkajQ2JGwwJGgw 💡 Remember: the goal isn't perfection. It's helping your child build a summer that includes connection, growth, rest, and fun. 👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast and share this episode with another teen or tween parent. 🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists, Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Starting college is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming for both young people and parents. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen are joined by clinical psychologists and college transition experts, Dr. Liz Seidler and Dr. Sarah Olivo to discuss what really happens when teens leave home and begin living on their own. From homesickness and making friends to executive functioning, self-advocacy, managing emotions, and navigating newfound independence, they share practical, evidence-based strategies to help families prepare for one of life's biggest transitions. Whether your child is heading off to a dorm, moving away for the first time, or simply preparing for college life, this conversation offers actionable advice that can reduce stress and set both parents and students up for success. In this episode, you'll learn: 🎓 How to prepare teens for the transition to college 🏠 Common challenges students face when living independently 💬 Why self-advocacy is one of the most important college skills 🧠 How executive functioning impacts college success ❤️ Ways parents can support without becoming overinvolved 📚 Practical tips for fostering resilience and confidence Highlights from this episode: 00:00 Why Meaningful Connection Is All Your College Student Needs 01:05 Meet Dr. Liz Seidler & Dr. Sarah Olivo 01:42 Helping Teens Transition to College Independence 04:44 The Biggest Challenges Students Face During Freshman Year 08:44 How Parents Can Best Support Teens Starting College 10:07 4 Ways Parents Can Help: Mind the Story You Tell About College 12:13 4 Ways Parents Can Help: Ask Better Questions & Invite Conversation 15:39 4 Ways Parents Can Help: Create an Emotional Plan Before Move-In 18:42 4 Ways Parents Can Help: Listen Before You Problem-Solve 22:12 Parent Group Chats: Helpful Resource or Hidden Pitfall? 26:35 What College Students Actually Find Most Helpful 28:46 Why Meaningful Campus Connections Matter for Student Success 31:44 Listen to the “College Is Fine, Everything's Fine" Podcast If you're getting ready to send your child to college or you have a college student who has just returned home, this episode is one you won't want to miss. To learn more about Dr. Liz Seidler and Dr. Sarah Olivo, please visit their “College is Fine, Everything’s Fine” podcast website, YouTube channel or individual practice websites: Listen to “College Is Fine, Everything's Fine” Podcast here: https://www.collegeisfinepodcast.com/ “College is Fine, Everything's Fine” YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@CollegeIsFinePodcast Dr. Liz Seidler’s website: https://www.cbtridgefield.com/ Dr. Sarah Olivio’s website: https://www.drsaraholivo.com/ Additional Resources Discussed in this episode: Mental Health in College: What Research Tells Us About Supporting Students by Alexis Redding https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-College-Research-Supporting/dp/B0FQ9HXNB6 👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe to The Parenting Pair Podcast and share this episode with another parent preparing for college season. 🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Sleep problems are incredibly common among women—but they're often misunderstood. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen sit down with renowned sleep expert and board certified behavior sleep medicine specialist Dr. Shelby Harris to explore why women experience unique sleep challenges throughout their lives, from adolescence and parenthood to perimenopause and menopause. Together, they unpack the biological, hormonal, emotional, and lifestyle factors that contribute to insomnia and sleep disruption, while offering practical, evidence-based strategies to improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Whether you're a parent struggling with sleep, supporting a teen with sleep challenges, navigating midlife hormonal changes, or simply wondering why a good night's rest feels so elusive, this conversation is filled with actionable insights and hope. In this episode, we discuss: ✔️ Why insomnia is more common in women ✔️ Hormones, sleep, and life transitions ✔️ The impact of stress, anxiety, and caregiving responsibilities ✔️ Sleep challenges during pregnancy, parenthood, perimenopause, and menopause ✔️ Common misconceptions about insomnia ✔️ Evidence-based strategies for improving sleep ✔️ When to seek professional support Highlights from this episode: 00:00 Introduction: Why Women Struggle With Sleep 00:46 Meet Dr. Shelby Harris, clinical psychologist and Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine 03:10 Book Recommendation: The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia 03:52 How Women's Sleep Changes Across the Lifespan 07:31 How Sleep Differs Between Women and Men 09:04 Trouble Sleeping? Why You Should Get Evaluated 09:39 What Insomnia Really Is (And What It Looks Like) 13:56 Why Women Often Delay Seeking Help for Sleep Problems 14:56 When and Where to Get Your Sleep Evaluated 20:53 CBT-I Explained: The Gold Standard for Insomnia Treatment 24:47 Sleep Apnea and Weight: Are They Related? 27:02 Sleep Apnea in Women: What the Research Shows 32:20 Revenge Bedtime Procrastination or "Momsomnia" 38:15 Follow Dr. Shelby Harris for More Sleep Tips 40:26 Dr. Shelby Harris's Top Recommendations for Better Sleep Sleep affects every aspect of our lives—from emotional regulation and mental health to parenting, relationships, and physical health. Understanding how sleep changes across the lifespan can help you make informed decisions and develop healthier habits. Resources discussed in this episode: Where to find Dr. Shelby Harris: https://www.drshelbyharris.com/ @sleepdocshelby The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia, Dr. Shelby Harris https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393711615 The Essential Guide To Children's Sleep: A Tired Caregiver's Workbook for Every Age and Stage, Dr. Andrea Roth, Dr. Allison Shele & Dr. Shelby Harris https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/essential-guide-childrens-sleep The Parenting Pair Podcast: Why Teens Don't Sleep (and What Parents Can Do About It) https://drscaronandallen.com/podcast/episode/why-teens-dont-sleep-and-what-parents-can-do-about-it/ The Parenting Pair Podcast: Sleep Struggles in Tweens and Teens: Insomnia, Nightmares and When Parents Should Seek Help https://drscaronandallen.com/podcast/episode/sleep-struggles-in-tweens-and-teens-insomnia-nightmares-and-when-parents-should-seek-help/ If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. 🎙️ Hosted by Clinical Psychologists Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Does your teen constantly run late, underestimate how long tasks will take, or seem completely unaware of how much time has passed? It might be time blindness. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore time blindness — a common but often misunderstood executive functioning challenge that affects tweens, teens, and young adults. Many parents interpret these struggles as laziness, avoidance, or irresponsibility. But for many teens, time blindness is connected to real differences in brain functioning, ADHD, and executive functioning. In this episode, we cover: What time blindness actually is Why some teens genuinely struggle to "feel" time passing How ADHD and executive functioning are connected to time blindness Why lateness triggers panic, frustration, and family conflict "Waiting mode" and why teens get stuck before tasks Why shame and punishment often backfire Practical strategies parents can use at home — timers, visual calendars, clocks, task chunking, and more Highlights from this episode: 00:00 — What Time Blindness Really Feels Like 01:36 — What Is Time Blindness? Signs Parents Should Know 06:06 — How Time Blindness Impacts Family Life 06:14 — Why Teens With Time Blindness Are Often Late 08:14 — The Big Emotions Behind Time Blindness: Panic, Stress & Frustration 09:36 — “Waiting Mode” and Why Teens Get Stuck 13:07 — Time Blindness Is a Brain-Based Challenge, Not a Character Flaw 14:48 — Practical Strategies That Help With Time Blindness 15:04 — Strategy 1- Building Understanding and Compassion at Home 16:01 — Strategy 2- How Alarms Can Support Teens With Time Blindness 17:28 — Strategy 3- Why Visible Clocks Matter More Than You Think 18:11 — Strategy 4- Using Countdown Timers to Improve Time Awareness 18:23 — Strategy 5- Visual Calendars That Actually Help Teens Stay Organized 19:22 — Strategy 6- Why Start Timers Help Teens Begin Tasks 19:54 — Strategy 7- Time Tracking and “Backing Out” of Time Explained 21:28 — Strategy 8- Why Teens Need Scheduled “Free Brain Time” 23:32 — Strategy 9- Breaking Big Tasks Into Smaller Daily Steps 24:12 — Can ADHD Medication Help With Time Blindness? 25:03 — Final Thoughts: Supporting Teens With Time Blindness Whether you're parenting a tween, teen, or college student, this conversation offers practical, compassionate guidance grounded in adolescent psychology. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Teen breakups can feel overwhelming, heartbreaking, and all-consuming — not only for teens, but for parents watching their child struggle through intense emotions for the first time. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore what first heartbreaks are really like for tweens, teens, and young adults, and how parents can respond in ways that build trust, resilience, and ultimately healing. We discuss why teen relationships matter so deeply, how heartbreak can deeply impact teenagers, and what supportive parenting looks like during emotional crises. From validating emotions without escalating them, to knowing when to step in if your teen becomes stuck in rumination or distress, this conversation offers practical and compassionate guidance for parents navigating one of the most emotionally charged parts of adolescence. We also explore: Why teen heartbreak should not be minimized How grief and loss show up after a breakup What helps teens emotionally recover When boundaries may be necessary How to avoid accidentally dismissing your teen’s pain Signs your teen may need additional mental health support If you are parenting a tween, teen, or college-aged child through friendship loss, rejection, or a relationship breakup, this episode will help you better understand their emotional world — and how to support them through it. Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — Teen Breakups: When First Love Feels Devastating 00:41 — Helping Your Teen Through a Painful Breakup 02:21 — Teen Heartbreak + School, Friends & Social Pressure 04:01 — What Parents Can Do: Supporting the Grief Without Fixing It 06:38 — Why “Doing” Can Help More Than Talking After a Breakup 08:16 — When Teens Get Stuck in Heartbreak and Rumination 10:54 — When Parents Should Step In to Stop the Overthinking Spiral 16:16 — When Boundaries Are Necessary After a Teen Breakup 18:10 — Signs Your Teen May Need Extra Mental Health Support 19:48 — Final Thoughts: Helping Teens Heal After Heartbreak 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Grief can look very different in children, tweens, and teens — and many parents are left wondering how to best support their child while navigating their own loss at the same time. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen sit down with grief expert Dr. Julie Kaplow to discuss how grief shows up in adolescents and families, what healthy grieving can look like, and how parents can respond with compassion, flexibility, and support. Together, they explore: How grief presents differently in kids, tweens, and teens Why there is no “right way” or timeline for grieving When therapy may or may not be necessary How parents can support grieving children while managing their own emotions What happens when family members grieve differently Why some teens hide their distress to protect their parents Community grief and collective trauma Signs a child or teen may need additional mental health support Helpful coping strategies and grief resources for families Highlights from this episode: 00:00 — Everyone Grieves Differently: Understanding Loss as a Family 00:25 — Parenting Through Grief: Supporting Kids After Loss 01:07 — Meet National Grief Expert and clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Kaplow 02:04 — How Grief Shows Up in Children, Tweens, and Teens 04:43 — Does Every Grieving Child Need Therapy? 06:43 — How Parents Can Support Kids Through Grief and Loss 09:55 — Practical Ways to Help Children Cope With Grief 12:33 — When Family Members Grieve on Different Timelines 15:01 — Letting Go of Pressure During the Grieving Process 17:15 — When Parents Are Grieving Too: Supporting Your Child While Struggling Yourself 20:23 — Healthy Coping Strategies for Grieving Children and Teens 22:17 — Why Teens May Hide Their Grief From Parents 27:15 — Navigating Community Grief and Collective Loss 29:35 — Signs a Grieving Child or Teen May Need Extra Support 31:37 — Helpful Grief Resources for Parents and Families 33:46 — What If You Feel Like You Handled Grief “Wrong”? This conversation offers practical parenting guidance, emotional reassurance, and evidence-based insight for families coping with loss, grief, trauma, and major life transitions. Whether your family is navigating the death of a loved one, community tragedy, divorce, illness, or another profound loss, this episode aims to help parents feel more supported and less alone. Resources discussed in this episode: TAG Center Virtual Learning Library- contains a number of free webinars and resources for parents (including the Power of Parenting series designed to help parents support their children after various types of deaths): https://mmhpi.org/work/trauma-grief-center/virtual-learning-library/ Lucine Center for Trauma and Grief- provides teletherapy to children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or loss: https://lucinecenter.com/ The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute works at the intersection of policy and programs to create equitable systemic changes so all people in Texas, the nation, and the world can obtain the health care they need. https://mmhpi.org/ The Hackett Center’s mission is to provide independent, non-partisan, and trusted policy and program guidance in Greater Houston and the Gulf Coast region to improve services and systems so that all Texans can obtain effective mental health care. https://mmhpi.org/work/the-hackett-center/ 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
Why do tweens and teens suddenly want tattoos, second piercings, dramatic hair changes, or other appearance changes? And how should parents respond without overreacting, shutting down communication, or creating conflict? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore why appearance becomes such an important part of identity development during adolescence and how parents can approach these moments with curiosity, boundaries, and connection. The conversation covers: Why appearance matters so much during the tween and teen years The developmental drive for identity and independence How to respond when your child wants a tattoo, piercing, or other change The importance of considering age, permanence, and safety Why curiosity works better than immediate judgment How parents can stay connected while still holding limits Why these conversations don’t have to become power struggles Whether your tween wants a second piercing or your teen is asking for a tattoo, this episode offers practical, compassionate parenting guidance rooted in clinical psychology and adolescent development. If you’re parenting tweens, teens, or college-age kids, this episode will help you navigate appearance changes with more confidence, calm, and connection. Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 — Teens Want to Change Their Appearance - Now What? 01:37 — Why Appearance Feels So Important in Adolescence 02:59 — Middle School & Identity: When Independence Begins 05:21 — Get Curious About the Change 07:44 — 3 Things Parents Should Consider First 08:00 — 1) Consider Your Teen’s Age & Development 10:04 — 2) Temporary vs Permanent Appearance Changes 13:04 — 3) Safety Concerns Parents Should Think About 18:41 — How to Talk to Your Teen About Appearance Changes 19:31 — Leading With Curiosity Instead of Judgment 21:01 — Using Delay as a Parenting Tool 22:40 — Final Thoughts: It Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
What if the key to better communication with your teen… isn’t having the right answers, but asking better questions? In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast , Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen explore the power of curiosity in parenting —and why becoming genuinely interested in your teen’s inner world can transform your relationship. Many parents find themselves jumping to conclusions, offering advice too quickly, or reacting from their own anxiety or fear. But these patterns—while well-intentioned—can unintentionally create distance. Instead, Dr. Caron and Dr. Allen introduce a different approach: one rooted in wondering, openness, and connection . In this episode, you’ll learn: Why curiosity is one of the most powerful parenting tools The common barriers that block connection (assumptions, judgment, urgency to teach, parental anxiety) The “I wonder” reframe What curiosity looks like in real-life conversations How to ask questions in a way that feels safe and respectful How to be firm AND curious when your teen won't engage Why giving your teen space can actually strengthen your relationship Your teen doesn't need you to have all the answers — they need to feel genuinely understood. This episode shows you how to build that curiosity muscle in small everyday moments, so it's there when you need it most. Here are some highlights from the episode: 00:00 The Power of Curiosity in Parenting 02:22 What It Really Means to Be Curious as a Parent 05:07 Assumptions That Block Connection with Your Teen 06:21 Judgments That Get in the Way of Understanding 07:45 The Urge to Teach (And Why It Backfires) 09:39 How Parental Anxiety Impacts Curiosity 10:48 What Curiosity Looks Like in Real Life Parenting 14:17 How to Ask Questions Without Triggering Defensiveness 16:53 Why Giving Your Teen Space Matters 17:17 How to Be Both Firm and Curious as a Parent 20:01 Final Takeaways: Building Curiosity Into Your Parenting 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss one. ✉️ Newsletter: https://drscaronandallen.com 📱 Instagram: @theparentingpair 💬 Questions or topic suggestions: hello@theparentingpair.com DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely on the information presented in this podcast as as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.
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